Galena Home Attractions Famous Residents Recreation Restaurants/Hotels/ Bed & Breakfast

Attractions There are two visitor information centers in Galena. The first is located in the Old Train Depot on 101 Bouthillier Street. The second is next to the Old Market House on 121 North Commerce Street. Both locations are staffed seven days a week and provide brochures, guides, maps, restrooms, and public phones. Visit www.galena.org or call the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (866) 424-3224 to learn more. The elegant Belvedere Mansion was constructed in 1857 for J. Russell Jones, a steamboat magnate and an ambassador to Belgium. It contains Victorian pieces, period furnishings, and items from Liberace's estate. The most infamous furnishings would have to be the green drapes from the set of "Gone With the Wind." The drapes and several other items were purchased at an MGM studio auction. The Belvedere Mansion is located at 1008 Park Avenue. For more information call (815) 777-0747. Built in 1855, the De Soto House was a grand hotel that mirrored the economic prosperity Galena was experiencing at the time. It was undoubtedly the center for most of Galena's social and political activities. It's historical significance can be attributed to many important guests. In 1856, Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony in support of the Republican presidential candidate, John Fremont. In 1858, Stephen A. Douglas campaigned at the De Soto House during his bid for the presidential nomination. Finally, De Soto House was home to Ulysses Grant's presidential campaign headquarters in 1868. The oldest operating hotel in Illinois underwent major renovations in the 1980's and now offers overnight accommodations and dining. The De Soto House Hotel is located at 230 South Main Street and for more information call (800) 343-6562. Labeled as Galena's oldest house, Dowling House was built in 1826 by John Dowling. Built of limestone, it was used as a trading post and was equipped with primitive living quarters. Tour guides give a brief history of Galena and Dowling House while you browse through artifacts from the nineteenth century. For more information call (815) 777-1250. The Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum is located in an 1850 Italianate mansion at 211 South Bench Street. The mansion was built in 1858 and served as a private residence for Galena merchant, Daniel Barrows. The majority of the mansion's original content has been preserved. An hourly video explains how Galena became what it is today. Also featured are well-designed displays of clothing, household items, paintings, dolls, toys, and Civil War artifacts. For more information call the museum at (815) 777-9129. The Old Market House State Historic Site is a Greek Revival building built in 1845 for about $7,000. It served as a city market where local citizens could peddle their goods and produce. Owned and operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the Old Market House has undergone recent renovations. A new exhibit showcases the history of the Market House while other exhibits highlight the architecture and history of Galena. The Old Market House is located at 123 North Commerce Street. Call (815) 777-3310 for further details. The Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site was built in 1860 for Alexander Jackson, a Galena city clerk. In June 1865, the Italianate home was purchased by several Galena residents for $2,500. After it was handsomely furnished, it was presented to General Grant August 18, 1865, when he returned to Galena as a Civil War hero. Grant lived there until 1867 and again from 1879 to 1881. In 1904, Grant's children gave it to the City of Galena. Unable to properly care for the home, the City of Galena gave it to the State of Illinois in 1931. The home has been restored to its Post-Civil War appearance and at least 90% of the furnishings belonged to the Grant Family. The U.S. Grant Home is located at 500 Bouthillier Street. Call (815) 777-3310 for additional information. Vinegar Hill Lead Mine is an actual underground lead mine originally mined by an Irishman in 1822. This underground mine is typical of the primitive mines of that era. A guided tour will take you down the mine and the museum contains authentic tools, artifacts, and a variety of lead ore samples. For more information on Vinegar Hill Lead Mine call (815) 777-0855. Built in 1843 by Elihu Washburne, the Washburne State Historical Site is one of Galena's many architectural gems. In 1859, this Greek Revival home received major additions to accommodate the Washburne's seven children. Owned and operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, this home has recently received extensive restoration. It includes authentic features to the era, right down to the wallpaper that is a reproduction of the original. You can visit 908 Third Street to see Washburne House or call (815) 777-3310. QuincyNet Home Copyright© 2000 by QuincyNet, a division of HCW Ltd. All Rights Reserved